St. Augustine of Canterbury, Springfield

THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY OF YEAR C:
10/11th July 2010
Sea Sunday

Fr Frank writes:

For me, the high point of Pope Benedict's September visit to our country will be the beatification of John Henry Newman at Cofton Park in Birmingham. This is of personal significance for me, as Cardinal Newman is one of my long-standing heroes, and I had hoped to be able to lead a parish pilgrimage to this important Mass. However, as the beatification begins at 10.00am on a Sunday I will be unable to be present, and as the chosen venue holds fewer than 100,000 people, it looks as if only a small number will be able to attend from each parish.

In order to better prepare ourselves for this significant occasion, I plan to preach a series of homilies (beginning today) on the significance of J H Newman for English Catholics. The homilies will cover three phases of Newman's life:

'Lead Kindly Light' : the early years from 1801 to 1833.
'Praise to the Holiest' : The Oxford Movement of 1833 to his Reception into the Catholic Church in 1845.
'Firmly I Believe and Truly' : the later years, 1845 to his death in 1890.

May God richly bless you.

Father Frank

More Clergy Moves:

Fr Arthur Barrow is retiring as PP of Lexden
Fr Tom Lavin from SS Peter & Paul, Ilford to Lexden
Fr Andrew Headon from the English College, Rome to Ilford

From the Parish:

Wheelchair: Many thanks to Chris Bennett for donating a nearly-new wheelchair for parish use. We now have two good wheelchairs in the store room - these can be used to ferry people from the car park into church (just ask), and for parish outings/pilgrimages. Thanks, Chris, for your generosity. Fr Frank.
SVP Collection: Grateful thanks from all in the SVP for the generous total of £496 contributed as part of last Sunday's retiring collection.
Prayer petitions for Lourdes: Deacon Kevin will be in Lourdes on the Diocesan pilgrimage led by Bishop Thomas from 19th to 25th July. If any parishioner wishes to send prayer petitions please give them to him in an envelope marked 'GROTTO' by 18th July. They will be placed at Our Lady's grotto on your behalf.
First Holy Communion Programme 2010/2011: Forms should have been returned by the time you read this. If you have been unable to submit yours for any reason, please drop it in to Fr Frank as soon as possible.

From the Diocese:

Essex Recusant Society: will be visiting the church of St Peter and St Paul, High Road, Ilford on Saturday 17th July. During the visit Fr Stewart Foster will speak to us about Canon Palmer and the history of the parish. We will meet at the church at 2pm. All are welcome.
Brentwood Catholic Children's Society Charity Skydive: Saturday 11th September, Headcorn, Kent. BCCS are looking for people from all over the Diocese to make a sponsored 10,000 feet freefall tandem parachute jump. Minimum sponsorship £300 to jump for free. Further info from Julie Abbott on 01268 784544 or 07912277413 or by Email.

Sunday Smile: